A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet could help reduce the risk of dementia, even for people with strong genetic predispositions. Rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats, the diet was linked to slower cognitive decline over a three-decade period.
APOE4 Gene and Cognitive Health
One of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is the APOE4 variant. Having one copy of the gene triples the risk, while two copies increase it up to 12-fold. Yet researchers found that people adhering to a Mediterranean diet experienced protective benefits, particularly those with two copies of APOE4.
The study, which followed over 5,700 participants for thirty years, analyzed dietary habits, genetic data, blood metabolites, and cognitive testing. Findings suggest that diet can influence key metabolic pathways in the brain, potentially offsetting genetic vulnerabilities and slowing cognitive decline.
While the research primarily involved well-educated participants of European ancestry, the results highlight the potential of combining dietary guidance with genetic and metabolic assessments to help prevent dementia. Researchers hope future studies will explore personalized interventions targeting specific metabolites to further reduce cognitive risks.
